Goblet cells secrete mucins—which are key components of mucus—in a process that is regulated by calcium ions, which enter the goblet cells via a mechanism involving a channel protein called TRPM5.

Cell replenishment within the airways is governed by the random division of a population of basal progenitor cells, in a process that is accelerated in smokers.

Systems-level analysis in vertebrate ciliated epithelial cells shows that the network of genes activated by the transcription factor Rfx2 controls the development, migration, insertion and function of these cells.

A mouse model of atopic dermatitis provides mechanistic evidence for an association between allergic disease and skin cancer.

In cell types that acquire planar cell polarity, the protein Flattop regulates basal body docking and positioning.

Directed differentiation of stem cells can generate ventral-anterior foregut spheroids that can expand into three-dimensional lung organoids with striking structural, cellular and molecular similarities to the human fetal lung.

A chemical biology approach has identified the kinase DYRK1A as a new regulator of the inflammatory response.

Monocytes display distinct migratory and functional activity compared to dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages in the lungs.

The accumulation of carbon black nanoparticles in smokers' lungs causes sterile inflammation, double-strand DNA breaks and emphysema.